Looking for free stuff from the Post Office? USPS offers eligible customers free Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express packaging, online delivery previews, regular-route package pickup, temporary mail holds and useful mailing forms.
Most postal freebies have conditions. A free box must be used with its designated paid USPS service, and free pickup requires an eligible prepaid package. Review the current rules before ordering supplies or scheduling a service.
1. Order Free USPS Boxes and Envelopes
The USPS Postal Store currently lists free Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express shipping supplies. Depending on availability, the catalog may include Flat Rate boxes, regular Priority Mail boxes, Express boxes, envelopes, tubes and special-purpose packaging.
Browse the official USPS free shipping-supplies catalog. Listings show the package dimensions, order quantity and approved mail service. Some products can also be picked up at a local Post Office, but the available selection varies by location.
The Packaging Is Free, Not the Postage
Priority Mail packaging must be used with the matching Priority Mail service, and Priority Mail Express packaging must be used with the matching Express service. A $0 box does not include a prepaid shipping label.
2. Choose the Correct Box and Place an Order
Start with the item you plan to mail, then compare box measurements and service requirements. Flat Rate packaging uses the applicable Flat Rate price, while other Priority Mail prices may depend on weight, size and shipping zone.
- Open the free-supplies section of the USPS Postal Store.
- Select a box, envelope or tube made for your intended mail service.
- Read the dimensions, package quantity and usage restrictions.
- Sign in or create a free USPS.com account if required.
- Enter the shipping address and review the order before submitting.
- Order a reasonable quantity based on your actual mailing plans.
USPS says eligible free shipping supplies are delivered at no charge. Product inventory, packs and fulfillment times can change, so use the live product listing rather than an older blog post or screenshot.
3. Find Free USPS Forms, Labels and Pouches
The Postal Store’s free-supplies catalog also includes certain labels, forms and document pouches. These materials support specific USPS shipments and do not represent prepaid postage.
International mailers can create and print customs forms online. USPS explains that the form required depends on the selected service, destination and value of the contents. Complete every declaration honestly and verify prohibited or restricted items before mailing.
- International customs-form pouches
- Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express labels
- Special handling or service-specific labels
- Selected shipping and mailing forms
- Printable USPS publications and instructional guides
Use the USPS customs-form tool for current international paperwork. General office labels, printer ink and standard packing tape are not automatically free.
4. Request a Free USPS Military Care Kit
USPS offers a free Military Care Kit designed for sending packages to military addresses. The current Postal Store listing includes APO/FPO Flat Rate boxes, Medium Flat Rate boxes, address labels, customs envelopes and Priority Mail tape.
The materials are intended for eligible Priority Mail shipments to APO, FPO and DPO destinations. Postage is still required, and military mail can have special addressing, customs and content rules.
Confirm the Current Kit Contents
Review the official USPS Military Care Kit listing before ordering. Contents, quantities and availability may change.
5. Preview Mail With Free Informed Delivery
Informed Delivery is a free USPS service for eligible residential, business and PO Box customers. It can show grayscale preview images of incoming letter-size mail and provide status information for incoming and outbound packages.
Users can view information by email, the Informed Delivery website or the USPS mobile app. Not every mailpiece is imaged, and a preview does not mean the item will arrive that exact day. Package and mail timing can still change.
- Visit USPS Informed Delivery.
- Check whether your address is eligible.
- Create or sign in to a USPS.com account.
- Complete the required identity and address verification.
- Select your notification preferences.
Keep the account protected with a unique password. If an unexpected image or package appears, use only USPS.com or the official app to investigate rather than clicking a link in a suspicious text message.
6. Schedule Free Package Pickup During Regular Delivery
USPS Package Pickup allows eligible prepaid shipments to be collected during the carrier’s regular mail delivery at no additional pickup charge. USPS says there is no limit on the number of eligible packages in one pickup, although package type, weight and other mailing rules still apply.
Use the official USPS Schedule a Pickup tool, provide the package details and choose an approved pickup location. Packages should already have complete labels and paid postage.
Regular Pickup vs. Pickup on Demand
Pickup during normal mail delivery can be free for eligible shipments. Pickup on Demand provides a specific pickup timeframe and charges a fee. Verify which option is selected before confirming.
7. Use Free Hold Mail and Missing Mail Tools
USPS Hold Mail is free and can pause delivery of all mail to an eligible address for 3 to 30 days. It is useful for vacations and short absences, but it applies to everyone receiving mail at that address—not just the person submitting the request.
Sign in, verify your identity and submit the dates through the official USPS Hold Mail page. Longer absences or mail forwarding may require a different service with separate terms or fees.
If mail appears lost, start with tracking and delivery details. USPS allows a Missing Mail search request beginning seven days after mailing when the requirements are met. You may need addresses, the mailing date, tracking or receipt information, a package description and photos. A search does not guarantee recovery or reimbursement.
Review the official Missing Mail steps before filing a request.
8. Know What Is Not Free and Avoid Postal Scams
USPS sells stamps, postage, insurance, PO Boxes, ReadyPost packaging and other products. A nearby retail location may display both free service-specific boxes and paid general-purpose boxes, so check the shelf label or ask a postal employee before taking supplies.
These expenses are not automatically free:
- Postage and shipping labels
- ReadyPost boxes, envelopes and packing materials
- PO Box rentals and some forwarding options
- Pickup on Demand at a requested time
- Insurance, Signature Confirmation and optional services
- Passport fees, money orders and retail merchandise
- Standard tape, cushioning and printer supplies
Watch for fake redelivery texts, unpaid-postage messages and look-alike websites requesting card details. Type USPS.com into your browser or use the official app. USPS-branded shipping supplies should never be resold, used for moving or storage, or used with another carrier.
Quick Freebie Check
Confirm that the item shows a $0 price on an official USPS page, matches the paid service you intend to use and is ordered in a reasonable quantity. At checkout, review every line before submitting.
Helpful USPS Resources
Featured Freebies
After checking the free postal tools, explore these reader-favorite opportunities for samples delivered to your door:
Free Daily Goodie Box
Eligible U.S. residents may have a chance to receive samples or full-size products. Membership and shipping are free, and no credit card is required. Selection and receipt are not guaranteed.
Free Healthy Snack Samples
Qualifying participants may request changing better-for-you snack samples. Eligibility, available products, quantity and shipping terms vary, and receiving a sample is not guaranteed.
Affiliate Disclosure: I Love Freebies may earn a commission if you sign up through these Featured Freebies links, at no additional cost to you. Availability and eligibility can change.
Final Thoughts
The Post Office offers several useful freebies, from eligible Priority Mail packaging to Informed Delivery, regular-route package pickup and short-term Hold Mail service. The key is matching every item to its intended purpose.
Use official USPS pages, order only what you need and review paid service requirements before mailing. That keeps a free supply or convenience tool from turning into an unexpected expense.